Do We Go Too Far?
Considering the article I just read about haggling to get a deal, I again gave some consideration to how integrity connects to the frugal life. Occasionally I have the opportunity to help Husband at his place of employment. Spending time in the area that sells damaged or discontinued merchandise provides me with some insight into those seeking to find a deal.
Certainly, I understand the desire and wisdom of seeking to find the best possible price on a product. Much wisdom can be found by those who have sought to offer a cash payment as an incentive for a lower price or who ask for a reductions when buying multiple items. Yes, there is no rule which says it is off limits to ask for any price to be lowered.
Yet, there are times when the push to get the most out of a seller can appear, at least to me, to border on going too far. Let me give you an example. There is a woman who shops at the outlet where I work on occasion. When she walks through the door, I get prepared for the bombardment. She always wants more than the deals available. The fact that she is getting reduced prices and often an additional sale at that, is not enough. She never hesitates to ask me when she finds a product on clearance that is missing something, if I could replace the missing parts. (At no extra cost, of course.) I patiently explain to her that if all the pieces were with the product, it would not be on clearance. She never seems to get it!
Maybe I am too sensitive, but I have seen people who think nothing of the time and attention of a salesperson and then leave to find the product elsewhere for a cheaper price. I wonder if they ever think of those on the other side of their deal? Many retailers carry products with little profit margin. Many businesses are already pricing items for sale at a reduced rate just to survive a challenging economy. If you cannot afford the price where you are shopping, isn't it a bit presumptuous to ask for service?
Perhaps we have lost sight of the dignity of the seller because so much of our shopping has become impersonal. Long ago the person we were buying from was our neighbor or friend. The business was local and the owner had a face. Now in our world of discount places, it is easy to forget the one you're doing business with. Do we always need to try to score just a bit more?
Since it looks like I will be living this frugal life for many years to come, I want to be sure I live out this season with dignity. Always seeking to be a good steward of all my resources, but not losing sight of the whole picture. I am sure there are many issues I am not addressing, but in my quest to find the best deals, I do not want to lose respect for myself and the one I am purchasing from.
Do you have any examples of frugal people going too far?
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6 Responses to “Do We Go Too Far?”
August 31st, 2011 at 6:46 am
Well some people are just a pain in the ass, they always need something to complain about.
On the other hand “what comes around goes around” stores and other business have always tried to take advantage of customers, its about time the consumer puts it right back on them.
August 31st, 2011 at 7:47 am
Yes, in my case it is not so much in stores buy ‘things’ but when we are eating out. She makes me cringe with the things she does. Example, a few weeks ago we went to a small family owned cafe. Had a nice meal to celebrate a birthday. Everyone ordered a desert to share. She got a piece of chocolate cake. When it came she ate one bite of the cake and said it was ‘not moist enough’ and wanted to send it back. The wait person came and asked her if she wanted the pie that all the rest of us got. (we were a group of 7) Yes, that would be fine…did she want ice cream with the pie? Yes, that sounds good. Then when the bill came she was ‘shocked’ that the ice cream cost $1.00 extra. She still wanted to take the cake home, (too dry to eat, but she wanted it) and did not pay for it. Also she complains that the tip in added to the bill (done for all groups more than 6) and always gets a ‘to go’ cup of Dr. Pepper….
I love this person, she is a good friend, but she makes me cringe at times at the things she does.
August 31st, 2011 at 12:19 pm
I’ve seen a certain store selling items ,that were damaged or ‘lacking’, for regular price and often thought it would move faster had it been marked down; but never asked for a discount until a friend of mine said they ask for a marked down price and usually get it. I’ve often wondered if it was the thing to do; even though it was a Wal-known store.
As for my own personal testimony. I’m about to send off Hardship Letters to several Dr.’s for bills incurred after treating my husband for his heart attack- without medical coverage. We’ve received charity already for the hospital portion, but still owe the different Doctors.
Husband is unable to work. I babysit in my home our income is limited. We’ve not had insurance since he retired 2- 1/2 years ago.
We don’t get any help from the Government, except now my husband is being treated through the V.A.– at the time we were not in that system. We’ve never in 28 years of marriage gotten government assistance. This has been a humbling experience for us. We are very grateful for the assistance we’ve received to date.
I’m curious as to what others think of your post in regards to your question and if you or your readers would tell me your thoughts on our circumstances. Would you send a hardship letter requesting a lowered bill, if you were self-pay?
I may post this on my own blog— I don’t mean to high-jack the comments, but am curious.
Thank you,
Pat
August 31st, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Pat:
I certainly would share your personal situation with your doctor requesting to pay a lower amount. I believe there is a big difference between requesting and demanding or expecting. Many professionals are compassionate and provide their services to those in need at a reduced cost. However in my estimation, the patient needs to be mindful of the right of the doctor to say no.
Medical costs are very challenging. I know many who have received great blessing from reduced bills. I really appreciate your attitude and do hope you are able to receive mercy on your bill.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:34 pm
I think this is a good point. It seems everyone wants to make as much money as they can and spend as little as possible. That’s not going to work if we want to keep jobs in America.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Mr. Ford founded his company on the principle of paying workers a fair wage so that they could afford his cars. I think a lot of people are simply finding that wages are not keeping up with inflation, that’s if you’re lucky to have a job. I’m self-employed, but have kept my rates the same these past three years. I just raised them modestly (less than 5%) only to discover that some of the servics I use regularly have just increased their rates over 10%! It’s a challenge to come up with the difference!
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